Connecticut
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo closes exhibits amid confirmed case of bird flu
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo has closed down exhibits and euthanized birds after a cotton patch goose died of avian flu.
The zoo learned of the case of highly pathogenic avian flu (HPAI) on Tuesday after test results came back on the goose, which had died on the grounds.
“In response, the zoo has taken additional steps above and beyond already established protective measures to ensure the health and safety of its birds, animals, staff, and guests,” the zoo said in a statement on Thursday. “The zoo is working closely with state and federal partners, including U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to follow guidelines and conduct ongoing reviews as a result of the detection.”
Health and safety precautions had already been implemented in response to the nationwide outbreak of bird flu, but the zoo increased those measures “out of an abundance of caution.”
The zoo euthanized birds in its pond community, since they may have been exposed, and quarantined birds in nearby exhibits that didn’t have direct contact with the affected flock. Ravens, peafowl and turkeys are among the birds being monitored.
In an update, the zoo said 10 quarantined birds had tested negative but that they’d continue to be isolated while monitoring continued, News 12 Connecticut reported.
In addition, the zoo temporarily shuttered the farmyard and outdoor aviary and limited bird access to care providers and other professionals, canceling events that would have involved birds.
Bird flu has been detected in flocks throughout New England and beyond, including in Connecticut. Animals in zoos around the country have also died.
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Connecticut
Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet In South Plainfield Offers Endless Delicious Options
The Greater Danbury area isn’t exactly known as a buffet hotspot, but if you’re willing to venture beyond your zip code, the state delivers some awe-inspiring all-you-can-eat experiences. A recent “Only In Your State” feature crowned one buffet as the best in Connecticut — and that raised a very local question: Do any buffets near Danbury compare?
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The Top 5 Buffets in Connecticut
Topping the statewide list is the Pacific Buffet & Grill in Wallingford, celebrated by Only In Your State as Connecticut’s best. This place is the gold standard, known for its huge seafood selection, sushi bar, hibachi grill, and sheer variety. Crab legs, shrimp, steak, noodles — it’s all here, and it’s why people happily drive across the state for it.
Other standout buffets earning consistent praise include Osaka Hibachi Buffet in Stratford, loved for its cleanliness and sushi options, and Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet in South Plainfield, which boasts hundreds of rotating items and a popular cook-to-order hibachi station. Rounding out the top five are Imperial China Buffet in Watertown a dependable classic, and Royal Buffet Sushi and Grill in New Milford, which is especially important for Greater Danbury diners.
So… What About Buffets Near Danbury?
Here’s the honest truth: Danbury doesn’t have a Pacific-level buffet. But there are a couple of respectable local options. Grand Century Buffet at 1 Padanaram Road remains the city’s most familiar buffet, offering a wide selection at reasonable prices. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done.
Meanwhile, Agogo Asian & Sushi Buffet, 15-19 Backus Ave., has earned strong reviews for quality — especially sushi — even if the buffet itself is smaller than the state’s heavy hitters.
The Bottom Line
If you’re chasing Connecticut’s best buffet, it’s worth the drive. But if you’re staying local, New Milford and Danbury still offer solid options that satisfy the all-you-can-eat craving without a road trip.
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Connecticut
Here Are The Most Popular CTNewsJunkie Stories Of 2025 | CT News Junkie
As 2026 begins, Connecticut is gearing up another busy news year. The legislature is in session beginning next month, with numerous items up for consideration that could have an impact on residents. Also, Gov. Ned Lamont is seeking a third term and the entire General Assembly is up for election, which could alter the balance of power in Connecticut.
Also in 2026, new laws on housing, cancer screening, absentee ballots and more went into effect January 1.
But before we get too far into 2026, let’s take a look back at CTNewsJunkie’s biggest stories of 2025, as determined by our readers. In scanning the list of top 10 most-read stories, transportation, elections, new laws, a new state holiday and clean energy emerged as popular reads.

Credit: Olga Maksimava / Shutterstock
Transportation
It is easy to see what weighs most on readers’ minds, as transportation-related stories made up fully half of the 10 most popular stories list.
Four of the top 10 stories (#s 2, 3, 8 and 10 on the list) dealt with traffic cameras. What towns have been approved for them? What towns are applying? What are the rules for using them to enforce speed? How much revenue do they generate? These were all questions on the minds of readers.
The fifth transit-related story, and sixth-most popular overall, dealt with the construction of the new Naugatuck Metro-North train station and overhaul of the surrounding area into a mixed-use community.

New laws
Two of CTNewsJunkie’s top 10 stories of 2025 dealt with new state laws. Our Dec. 19 story about new laws taking effect January 1 came in at #7, and a similar story in June about new laws taking effect July 1 ranked #9 for the year.

Offshore wind
CTNewsJunkie’s coverage of the Revolution Wind project proved popular with readers, but only one story on that topic cracked the annual top 10. Published on Dec. 26, traditionally a slow news day, the story about four northeastern governors demanding a briefing on the alleged national security concerns of offshore wind generation drew enough interest to rank #5 on the annual list.

Light overcomes darkness
Connecticut gained a new state holiday in 2025, and readers made the story about the announcement the fourth-most popular story of the year.
Public Act 25-59 established Diwali as a state holiday. Connecticut is only the second state to recognize the Southeast Asian holiday celebrating the victory of light over darkness. The state holiday officially is the 15th day of the month Kartik in the Hindu lunar calendar. In the Gregorian calendar the holiday typically falls in September or October.

Democrats roll in municipal elections
CTNewsJunkie’s most-read story of 2025, by far, was the Nov. 5 story detailing the results of the Nov. 4 municipal elections. Connecticut’s political landscape changed dramatically in one day, with 27 towns flipping from Republican to Democratic leadership. In contrast, one town — Easton — flipped the other way, with a Republican replacing an incumbent Democrat who did not seek reelection.
At just over 36%, voter turnout was about 10% higher than average for an odd-numbered year.
Connecticut
Ten people displaced after Bridgeport fire
Ten people are displaced after a fire broke out at the 400 block of Washington Avenue in Bridgeport.
At around 5:30 p.m., the Bridgeport Fire Department responded to a fire alarm.
Upon arrival, firefighters located heavy smoke conditions after the fire was extinguished in one unit by the sprinkler system.
Nine units were affected, displacing ten people.
There were no reported injuries.
The American Red Cross is working to help those who were displaced.
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